← All explainers
SB 13Signed into law; effective September 1, 202589th Regular Session (2025)

School boards, not librarians, now have the final say on library books

What it does

SB 13 puts the elected school board in charge of approving what goes into a school library catalog. Districts must post their catalogs online and let parents see and limit what their own child checks out. Parents can also ask the district to form a local school library advisory council that reviews titles.

What it means for your community

Your district library list is now public, so you can look up any title your child can borrow. Book approvals move slower because the board votes on them, and a parent petition can create an advisory council in your town.

Read the full bill on Texas Legislature Online

We describe legislation. We do not endorse or oppose it. If you spot an error, tell us and we will correct it.